Lawrence Okolie takes a huge step in class on Saturday night when he challenges Kryzsztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO title at cruiserweight. The fight, which can be seen live on DAZN in multiple regions, represents massive progress for Okolie who challenges for the sport’s biggest honour in only his sixteenth fight.
Promoter Eddie Hearn who has guided the London man from his professional debut believes his fight with the veteran pole is the beginning of a dominant reign for Okolie.
“I’ve just got the feeling that Lawrence is going to absolutely demolish him,” revealed Hearn when speaking to Boxing Scene. “If he does that is such a huge statement I don’t see the need for many voluntary defences, because I only see him at cruiserweight for another year.
“Mairis Briedis is a fantastic fighter, that is a huge challenge, but I believe he can beat him. Ilunga Makabu is a dangerous fighter as well, the WBC champion, but a lot in terms of the pace we move Lawrence will be determined by the outcome on Saturday. If he can demolish Glowacki, I would like to see him clean up all of them belts in the next 18 months.”
[Lawrence Okolie vs. Kryzsztof Glowacki weigh-in results]
With cruiserweight domination the immediate priority, Okolie’s hopes of moving to heavyweight will remain on hold for the time being. A member of Anthony Joshua’s management stable, Okolie has made it clear numerous times that he would one day like to compete in boxing’s most glamorous division but Hearn insists that day will arrive once business at cruiserweight is cleared up.
“It is no secret with Lawrence that the end goal is to move up to heavyweight, it is the most lucrative division in boxing. He has the power, the size to do that in time, but I feel he has a lot of unfinished business in the cruiserweight division, although he has only had a small number of fights compared to these seasoned world champions.”
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